Table Rock Lake Overview

Table Rock Lake was named from the large, table-like rocks along its shores. Limestone bluffs tower high over the rivers that flow into this beautiful lake in Southwest Missouri. The main tributary is the White River, but other rivers such as the James, Kings and Long have their own distinct characteristics, but most still have these bluffs along their banks.

USACE Water Levels ~ Current Generation Conditions ~ Call 417-336-5083 for a Generation Recording.

Because of the rocky bottom of the lake and its tributaries, Table Rock's water stays very clear. That can be unnerving to some anglers who are not used to fishing in such transparent water. Lighter line and other techniques are needed to fool the lake's wily bass and other sport fish.

The "Rock" is well known for its smallmouth, as well as spotted and largemouth. It is an annual stop for the top professional bass circuits including the FLW Outdoors and the Bassmasters. Actually, you can find a bass tournament on Table Rock about every weekend of the year, if you look.

The lake is also home to other fish more suitable for table fare such as white bass, walleye, crappie, goggleye and blue gill. Spoonbill make their run up the Kings and James rivers each spring where men in boats wait with big treble hooks. And those who like to set limb lines and trot lines for catfish will enjoy the river and creek arms of Table Rock where channel and flathead cats roam.

Table Rock is a "Corp Lake," meaning its shores are owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers up to a certain elevation or "take" line. The dam was constructed in the late 1950's and the lake was filled in 1958. The deepest part of the lake is more than 200 feet deep, but most of the fishing is done on points, in coves and on flats in less than 50 feet of water.

Informational Links:

Missouri Department of Conservation Fish Structure Map (Interactive)

2018 TABLE ROCK LAKE ANNUAL REPORT (1).pdf

US Army Corp of Engineers - Table Rock Lake Map

Seasonal Lake Levels, Power Pools

Table Rock Lake Top Flood Pool: 931.0
Power Pool: 

• January 1 to April 30 ~~ 915 feet
• April 30 - May 1 ~~ 915 - 916 feet
• May 1 - June 1 ~~ 916 - 917 feet
• June 1 - November 30 ~~ 917 feet
• November 30 - December 1 ~~ 917 - 915 feet
• December 1 - 31 ~~ 915 feet

Bottom Power Pool: 881.0

USACE Little Rock App (very useful!)

Fishing License

Costs:

• Missouri Resident Annual License is $12
• Non-resident annual license is $49
• Trout permits are only sold annually, and they are $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 16 years of age
• All Missouri licenses and permits expire on March 1
• Non-resident One Day - $8
• Non-resident Three Day - $24
• Missouri Residents over age 65 only need a trout permit $10

Fun Facts

• Table Rock Dam is the second oldest dam on the White River, completed in 1958. Later, Bull Shoals and Beaver dams would be built creating four lakes in the White River Chain of Lakes.
• Table Rock Dam was constructed primarily for flood control, hydroelectric power and water supply.
• Electricity generated here at Table Rock Dam is used to meet peak energy demands. Table Rock is a link in a chain of power-producing stations that provide about seven million end-use customers in six states (Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas) with power to meet peak demand periods. The Southwest Power Administration is our governing agency, and it sells and delivers this power to about 100 electric cooperative systems in these six states.
• Table Rock got its name, from an actual rock formation that, today, is the scenic overlook on Highway 165. It is a large, flat rock that was to be the original dam site. The Army Corps of Engineers, after drilling and taking core samples, learned the ground below Table Rock was too unstable for a dam of that size. There are caves and sinkholes in the immediate area. The dam site was moved a mile and a half upstream to its present location near Braid Mountain. The lake filled to capacity in 1961 — almost a year ahead of schedule.” — from John Fullerton, Branson historian, September 17, 2008.

Table Rock is loved by many people for a variety of reasons. Its clear water makes it popular among scuba divers for deep dives, and its cleanliness makes it perfect for swimming, skiing, tubing, and kayaking along it shores, camping on its rocky banks, cliff diving and just cruising. Then there's the fishermen!

Current State Record Fish Caught on Table Rock Lake

Hybrid Black Bass - 5 pounds, 10 ounces, caught March 17, 2004 by Mark Fann of Nixa, MO.

Spotted Bass (Kentucky) - 7 pounds, 8 ounces, caught April 6, 1966 by Gene Arnaud of Branson, MO.

White Bass - 5 pounds, 6 ounces, caught March 19, 2002 by Scott Flood of Billings, MO.

Smallmouth Bass (Jug Fishing) - 4 pounds, 3 ounces, caught September 18, 2002 by Paul V. Elder, House Springs, MO. 

Blue Gill (Limb Line) - 9 ounces, caught on June 13, 1995 by John Hardin Farmers Branch, Tx.

Paddlefish (Snagged) - 140 lbs. 9 oz. Caught on March 21, 2015 by Andy Belobraydic III Richwoods, Mo

Find all MDC State Record Here

Buy Missouri Fishing Licenses Online!

Bass Clubs -- Table Rock Bass Masters